Tossa de Mar, the fortified treasure of the Costa Brava
Tossa de Mar is one of the most charming towns on the Costa Brava. Its medieval walled center, unique along the Catalan coastline, was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1931.
Its international recognition saw a major boost in the 1930s, when various avant-garde artists and intellectuals settled there to develop their works.
What to see
The history of this small fishing village dates back to Roman times. You can walk to all its points of interest, such as the Roman Villa of Ametllers from the 1st-4th century AD, located 2 minutes from the Tourist Office.
The remains of this house, which was originally involved in grape cultivation and wine export, were discovered in 1914.
Next to it, you’ll find the Casa de Cultura, located in the former Sant Miquel Hospital, founded in 1773 by Tomàs Vidal Rei. This two-story building features a chapel and a central cloister. Once a charity hospital, it now hosts exhibitions, a library, and other cultural activities. It is a key building for understanding Tossa’s past and its evolution as a cultural center.
In the Municipal Museum, the first in Spain to exhibit works by foreign contemporary artists like Marc Chagall, some objects and mosaics of great historical value are preserved.
Another point of interest is the Sa Roqueta Quarter, a fishing district built in the 16th century. Characterized by its humble houses and narrow, quiet streets, it was home to many fishermen who lived near the natural port of Es Codolar Beach. It still retains the essence of traditional seafaring life today.
Continuing along Carrer de la Guàrdia, you reach the various shopping streets and the Church Square.
Walking through the cobblestone streets lined with white houses adorned with plants and flowers, you’ll arrive at Platja Gran.
The Passeig de Mar, a 400-meter crescent-shaped promenade, is home to the well-known Casa Sans, a Modernist building that now functions as a boutique hotel. In its inner courtyard, you can admire the stained glass windows and decorations with screen printing from the era, as well as a sculpture of the Goddess Diana.
Continuing along Passeig de la Vila, you’ll find the emblematic Vila Vella. This fortified complex was built between the 12th and 14th centuries to protect the then fishing village from pirate attacks, including those by Redbeard.
The Torre de ses Hores, which marks the entrance to the old medieval town, takes its name from the clock that once graced it. Today, it remains a landmark for visitors exploring Vila Vella.
The authentic cannons, the former courtyard, the watchtowers like the Torre de ses Hores, and the wall bear witness to this turbulent period.
The imposing wall of Tossa, built in the 14th century, completely surrounds Vila Vella. With its seven round towers and three square ones, it is the only surviving example of a fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast.
The Keep Tower is one of the main towers of the enclosure, playing a vital role in the town’s defense.
Passing through Pintor Roig Soler Square, you reach the well-known Forat del Dimoni, a passage through the wall that leads to the spectacular viewpoint of Cala Codolar.
The Old Parish of Sant Vicenç, of which only the apse and sacristy remain today, is an example of late Gothic architecture that can still be visited within the medieval complex.
The historic center retains the cobblestone streets made with pebbles from the beach. Within its walls, you can admire the charming stone houses with their flower-adorned balconies, squares, a small church, and, above all, unique views of the Mediterranean Sea.
In one of these squares stands a life-size bronze statue of Hollywood star Ava Gardner, commemorating the excitement caused by the filming of the movie “Pandora and the Flying Dutchman” in 1951, in which she was the lead actress.
At the Tonet Hotel bar in Church Square, you can see unpublished images from the film shoot, taken by a local photographer.
For food lovers, at Granja Tomàs, a pastry shop from 1885, you can buy Ava Gardner’s “kisses” in the form of meringues, packaged in a box with a picture of the actress.
The highest point of Vila Vella is the Lighthouse, built in 1919 over the ruins of an ancient castle. Today, in addition to being operational, it houses the Mediterranean Lighthouse Interpretation Center. From its terrace, you can enjoy unique panoramic views while having a snack.
Near the Lighthouse, you’ll find Es Xalet d’en Bram, a charming lookout point with a unique story. Its name comes from Abraham Canals, a local man who, after returning from Cuba, carved this spot out of the living rock. From this privileged corner, you can enjoy stunning views of the Costa Brava, with crystal-clear waters displaying a mosaic of green and blue tones. It is, without a doubt, one of the most romantic spots in Tossa.
The Tower of Agulla de Pola, located at the southeastern end of the wall, played a crucial role as a coastal watchtower against pirate incursions. From here, lookouts could spot incoming enemy ships and alert the population.
What to do
In addition to its exceptional cultural heritage, Tossa de Mar also offers a wide range of options for active and sports tourism, such as various hiking or MTB routes and water activities.
For instance, in the same town, you can visit Platja Gran, where you can take a boat trip to the Cova d’Es Bergantí, where one of the rocks resembles the figure of Napoleon.
Just 5 kilometers from the town center of Tossa de Mar, you’ll find the picturesque Cala Giverola, surrounded by stunning cliffs and pine trees.
A privileged location, nestled between the sea and the Ardenya Massif, makes Tossa the hiking capital of the Costa Brava. You can choose from routes that follow the coastline, like the Camí de Ronda, or routes through the inland forests.
We recommend the circular route around the Montllor megaliths (2.5 km) in the Cadiretes-Ardenya Massif, which allows you to see remains from before Roman times, such as dolmens and menhirs. You can check the route details on the Girona Naturalists Association website: Tram 2 – Circular route around the Montllor megaliths (2.5 km).
Gastronomy
Seafood takes center stage in the cuisine of Tossa and the Costa Brava. Moreover, the town is committed to promoting local cuisine through various gastronomic initiatives, such as the culinary events in September called “La Cuina del Cim i Tomba”.
“Cim i Tomba”, a phrase referring to the cooking method of this dish, is Tossa’s signature dish, originally prepared by fishermen at sea using fish they couldn’t sell, potatoes, and garlic mayonnaise. Today, every restaurant in the town has its own version of the recipe, but they all maintain the essence and the name.
Where to eat
The town offers a wide variety of dining options, and while traditional Tossa cuisine predominates, you can also find restaurants serving food from other cultures.
Discover all the restaurants in Tossa de Mar on Guiacat.
Where to stay
Tossa de Mar offers a range of quality accommodations for all tastes and budgets. Hotels, hostels, tourist apartments, campsites, luxury holiday homes, and a youth hostel are all available.
You can find all the rural accommodations on the Costa Brava on Guiacat.
Festivals
Tossa de Mar celebrates its Winter Festival or Festes de Sant Vicenç every January 20. A highlight is the “Vot del Pelegrí”, a tradition over six hundred years old, involving a 40-kilometer pilgrimage from Tossa to Santa Coloma de Farners.
During the week of June 20, the Summer Festival or Festes de Sant Pere takes place, featuring sardana dances, games, concerts, and fireworks.
In recent years, the town has also hosted the International Catalan Rumba Festival, typically held at the beginning of June.
You can check all the activities in Tossa de Mar throughout the year on Catalonia’s agenda.
Best time to visit
Any time of year is ideal for visiting Tossa de Mar. However, in summer you can enjoy its stunning beaches and coves.
Must-see attractions
One day is enough to visit all the must-see spots in the town, but in summer it’s preferable to spend at least two days if you want to enjoy its beaches and coves.
- Roman Villa of Ametllers
- Chapel of Mare de Déu dels Socors and Parish Church of Sant Vicenç
- Sa Roqueta Quarter
- Tossa de Mar Castle and Vila Vella
- Cala Codolar
What to see nearby
Other highly recommended coves to visit outside the town are: Cala Bona, Cala Pola, Cala Giverola, and Cala Futadera.
The closest towns to Tossa de Mar are: Lloret de Mar and Blanes to the south, or Girona, where you shouldn’t miss visiting its Jewish Quarter, and Caldes de Malavella to the north.
How to get there
You can reach Tossa by car, bus, or train.
From the north, take the AP-7 highway and exit at exit 9 towards Vidreres, Lloret de Mar, and Tossa de Mar. Another option is to take the N-II national road, exiting at Vidreres, Lloret de Mar.
From the south, take the AP-7 highway and exit at exit 9 towards Vidreres, Lloret de Mar, and Tossa de Mar. Another alternative is to take the C-32 highway, exiting at Blanes Costa Brava or via the N-II national road, exiting at Blanes, and continuing towards Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar.
